178. 6 Ways to Help Program Volunteers Avoid Compassion Fatigue

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson dives deep into the critical issue of compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress among program volunteers. These frontline heroes play vital roles in tutoring, hospice, crisis support and more, but without proper training, boundaries, and support, they risk burnout and emotional harm. 

Tobi shares six practical ways nonprofit leaders can use to support volunteer wellness, from boundary-setting to debriefing practices and resilience training. 

Full show notes: 178. 6 Ways to Help Program Volunteers Avoid Compassion Fatigue 

Program Volunteers - Episode Highlights 

• [00:25] - What is Compassion Fatigue? 
• [05:20] - Recognizing the Signs 
• [09:15] - Emotional, Cognitive, and Physical Symptoms 
• [12:57] - Behavioral Changes and Deeper Shifts 
• [15:00] - Strategy #1: Set and Maintain Professional Boundaries 
• [16:11] - Strategy #2: Clear Policies on Client Boundaries 
• [22:15] - Strategy #3: Regular Debrief and Reflection Opportunities 
• [26:26] - Strategy #4:  Ongoing Skills and Resilience Training 
• [27:24] - Strategy #5: Access to Emotional Support and Resources 
• [29:40] - Strategy #6: Watch for Stress and Offer Respite Breaks 
• [32:22] - Final Thoughts 
   

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report  
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab  
• Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live!  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #035: 6 Ways to Prevent Burnout in Nonprofits  

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.